HATE crime has risen in Lancashire over the past year, new figures have revealed.

Statistics released by police show that there have been 259 incidents reported in the county up to June this year compared to only 154 at the same point in 2015.

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Most cases have involved racism with 195 reported this June compared to 108 14 months ago.

The figures cover the period leading up to and following the EU referendum, which has been widely linked to a surge in hate crime.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, has said he is greatly concerned. He said: “These figures are concerning and are completely unacceptable.

Whether it’s racism or homophobia or anything like that, it can’t be tolerated.

“Society can only flourish if we work together and I think we need the country to come together, especially after the EU referendum vote which has caused some tensions.”

As well as racism incidents, hate crimes involving faith, sexuality, disability and transgender were all included in the figures collected.

Nationally, hate crime has risen by more than 16 per cent compared to last year, with offences linked to race and religion up by nearly a fifth.

Last week Home Secretary Amber Rudd unveiled a plan to tackle hate crime, including an assessment of how police respond to the issue and an examination of levels of anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, homophobic and racist bullying in schools.

Prosecutors will be urged to press for tougher sentences for perpetrators, while a £2.4million fund will be set up for security measures and equipment at places of worship such as mosques and churches that need increased protection.

Chief Insp Ian Mills said: “We stand together with all communities and will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine society, especially where crimes are motivated by hate.”

“Hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the public.

“We have zero tolerance for hate crime and hate incidents or any abuse.

“We take all reports of this nature seriously.”

Anyone who experiences hate crime can report it to police by calling 101 or via the True Vision website at www.report-it.org.uk.